The BDA has responded to workforce figures published by the Dental Schools Council (DSC), which show a marked decline in professorial roles and research. The DSC reports that the number of clinical academics employed at professorial level in UK dental schools has declined by 8.3% since 2015, which the BDA believes undermines the UK’s global reputation as a leader in dental innovation.
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An investigation by journalist, Eve Simmons, has found widespread illegal practice at the beauty therapy chain, Essex Smiles, who are offering ’teeth-whitening’ products for self-administration. The company, however, claims they do not offer in-store teeth-whitening, just place to do it. When the journalist said she was nervous, blaming a childhood fear of the dentist, she was told ‘Don’t worry, we’re not dentists.’
Shares of Dentsply Sirona Inc. have tumbled 18.7% to close at a 5½-year low, after the dental-products maker slashed its full-year outlook and announced a restructuring program when its two main clients cut their inventories by more than expected. The news overshadowed better-than-expected second-quarter profit and sales. “We are very disappointed in the results we provided today,” said Chief Executive Don Casey.
An acrimonious dispute has arisen between the BDA and the Benevolent Fund over proposed amendments to the latter’s rules, to be proposed at its AGM in September. BDA chair, Mick Armstrong, has described the changes as taking the Fund away from its democratic roots, isolating it from its major supporters and potentially damaging its ability to help those most in need of its support. But long-time Ben Fund Trustee and Treasurer, Bill Nichols, has described this as scaremongering and fake news.
The craze for tongue splitting is leaving people open to serious risk of haemorrhage, infection and nerve damage, surgeons have warned. The warnings come after a recent study found that more than half of tongue piercings and 20% of lip piercings result in complications. Selina Master, of the FDS RCS said dentists had seen some ’horrific consequences’ of such procedures.
Replying to a question from Rushanara Ali Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, health minister Steve Brine MP said that there were no plans to change the system for raising penalties where a disabled or unwell patient wrongly claims exemption from patient charges.
Read more: Penalty charges for incorrect exemption claims to stay